Knowing the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy can save a life!
If you experience a severe lower abdominal pain along with a missed period, dizziness, or fainting, you should go to a hospital immediately.
You may be having an ectopic pregnancy.
If this condition is not treated quickly, it can become life-threatening.
How does an ectopic pregnancy occur?
Sperm enters the female reproductive system and fertilization (the union of sperm and egg) usually takes place in the fallopian tube.
In a normal pregnancy, the fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and implants in the uterine lining.
However, if there is a problem with the fallopian tube, the fertilized egg may implant and develop inside the tube itself instead of reaching the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy.
Causes include:
- Pelvic infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea affecting the fallopian tubes
- Previous surgery involving the fallopian tubes or reproductive organs
About 98% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tubes. However, they can also occur in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.
Other risk factors:
- A previous ectopic pregnancy
- Pregnancy achieved through IVF (in vitro fertilization)
- Endometriosis (growth of uterine tissue outside the uterus)
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy
Symptoms usually begin around 6 weeks after conception, which is about 2 weeks after a missed period in women with regular cycles.
Because of this, many women may think they are just experiencing a delayed period. A pregnancy test may still show a positive result.
Symptoms may include:
- One-sided or severe lower abdominal pain, sometimes with vaginal bleeding
- The bleeding may be darker or heavier than a normal period
- It is often mistaken for a delayed period
- Shoulder pain
- If the fallopian tube ruptures, severe abdominal pain occurs along with internal bleeding, which may lead to dizziness or fainting. This is a medical emergency.
If this happens, immediate hospital care is essential, as it can be life-threatening.
At the hospital, emergency surgery may be performed to stop bleeding and remove the ruptured tube and pregnancy tissue.
Can a woman get pregnant again after an ectopic pregnancy?
Yes. If the other fallopian tube is healthy and functioning normally, a normal pregnancy is still possible.
However, if you have had a previous ectopic pregnancy or other risk factors, you should visit a maternal clinic and undergo a scan within 8 weeks after a missed period to confirm that the pregnancy is in the uterus.
If you need guidance, seeking medical advice is very important.